Embracing the Community: Lagos, Nigeria

At Embrace Home Loans, "Community values people and relationships over all else. It is about being 'in it together.' Community creates unity through mutual care, kindness and respect. It creates a sense of belonging as well as a want to belong. Community fosters collaboration, partnership and teamwork."

The dictionary defines 'community' as follows: a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.　It is a　value I hold especially close to my heart. As one of the seven Embrace corporate values, the strong sense of community I feel throughout this company is virtually palpable. From a professional standpoint, who I am within our workplace is core to my identity. On　a personal level, however, my understanding, appreciation, and involvement with my local community runs even deeper. Recent experience has reminded me　how important it is to　truly　be a part of one's community and making connections whenever possible.

Can you guess where I live? Let's see... I live in a rather big city about ten miles north of Boston. My city lies along the easternmost shores of the Atlantic Ocean. We enjoy beautiful ocean views; and amongst　many other fun facts, we boast of being the city Lydia Pinkham called home in the early 1900s. Pinkham　was a rebel of sorts—a woman who cleverly bypassed the prohibition on alcohol by creating 'women's tonics—to help with anything from leg cramps to "female complaints"—which contained 18% alcohol. But I digress. My city was also　once the world leader in shoe production, and is commonly referred to as "the city of sin." You may or may not know my community based on what I have disclosed, but props to those of you who have figured it out!

Of course, we all have at least　some knowledge of the communities in which we reside. If you are like me, you enjoy hearing of the histories and people from the varying communities around us. It is this innate curiosity that drew my attention to a completely foreign community—one that is far from my own. In fact, it's not even in this country. The community I speak of is Lagos, Nigeria.

I've been drawn to Lagos for a few reasons. In many ways, this faraway place isn't so different from my own community. My city has a diverse mix of cultures from various lands, and I have many friends across cultures. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting a few friendly,　vibrant　Nigerian families who have joined my local community.

With　the help of my new Nigerian friends and　Facebook, I have befriended a humble young man named Idris. Despite the distance, Idris and I have built a great rapport through simple conversation. We　enjoy exchanging information on our differing lifestyles and communities, and often marvel at the　stark contrast between his daily life and mine. He asks me what it's like to live in America, and I ask him what it's like to live in Nigeria.

As much as Idris is enthralled by the simple pleasures we take for granted in this country, I, in turn, am almost blown away by　the stories　he shares about his life in Nigeria. At a young age, Idris and his older brother and sister were sent to live with his uncle because his parents couldn't afford to keep them. Today, Idris doesn't even own a blanket. He often sleeps on the floor, and there is only ONE pillow for the entire family to share. By family, I mean his thirteen cousins, his uncle, and his uncle's　three wives. Idris　also has　three　younger sisters who live with his mother in a neighboring village, and they, too,　are struggling to live day-to-day.

Unfortunately, due to cost, Idris had to stop going to school when he was quite young. In Nigeria, only the　very wealthy　can afford to continue their education. There are no student loans or grants or even charitable services to help in this regard in Nigeria. Although education is just as important in Nigeria as it is here in America, resources are limited even for those who want to learn. Education may even be more important there than it is here, especially because of job scarcity. While a kind man taught Idris electrical skills, he is unable to find　work　because he lacks　the formal schooling and official documentation that would validate his education and knowledge.

There are so many other things I could tell you that I have learned about Idris' community. I would love to be the one to give Idris an opportunity to better his life here in　the United States in my own　community. When I start to feel negative about my city and the things happening here, I think of Idris and his struggles. I imagine what it must be like to live in a place where opportunity is not in abundance. I often think of Idris' future, his three young sisters, and all others in similar situations.

Whenever you feel bad about your situation in life, I encourage you to put things into perspective, and consider Idris' story. Generally, we have our choice of education, access to financial aid, choice of food, jobs, and entertainment. I especially think of Idris when my head hits the pillow at night; when　I pull up my blanket and drift off to sleep in my comfortable bed. We at Embrace　Home Loans are　very fortunate to lead stable　lives with all the modern conveniences　that go along with it. When possible, strive to use your unique platform and skillset to give back both within your community and in others.